Help send Mt. Rainier High School Choir to Carnegie Hall; fundraiser Feb. 28

The Mt. Rainier High School Choir will be performing at Carnegie Hall in New York City on April 13, and they’re holding a fundraiser on Friday, Feb. 28.

“We are one out of only 10 choirs in the nation to be chosen to join in singing Christopher Tin’s Grammy Award-winning piece “Calling All Dawns” under the direction of the composer himself,” said Mardi E. Anderson, proud mom of choir member Charlton Anderson-Monson and part of the MRHS Choir Boosters.

In addition to the performance, choir members will visit historic and iconic landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, Empire State building, 9/11 Memorial, Central Park, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

“We also will be attending the Broadway show ‘Wicked’ and a Yankees vs. Red Sox baseball game,” Mardi added.

Students and families are actively and enthusiastically fundraising to ensure that each of the 74 students (nearly 50% of whom are eligible for Free or Reduced Lunch) is able to participate in this once in a lifetime opportunity. Cost per student / chaperone will be approximately $1500 for a trip total of $120,000.

“We are facing an urgent challenge in meeting our next installment payment to the tour company on time, and need to raise $25,000 by Feb. 2,” Mardi said. “We are grateful to the many generous individuals and businesses who have shown their support already.”

Boosters will be holding a Spaghetti Dinner at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28 to help support the MRHS Choir.

“Please join us for dinner, dessert auction and LIVE ENTERTAINMENT!”

Tickets are $12 per person in advance, or $15 at the door.

The fundraiser will take place at Mt. Rainier High School, located at 22450 19th Ave South in Des Moines.

Donations are welcome in any amount and are tax deductible.

Checks to MRHS may be directed either to a specific student or to the general fund (please note CHOIR in the subject line).

If you have any questions, please contact director Sara Stricherz by phone (206) 631-7104 or email [email protected].